Wade Hampton High School believed they had the Bobcats right where they wanted them. Hardeeville and Ridgeland high schools thought the same thing entering the third quarters of their respective games against the Bluffton High School football team.

None of them stood a chance.

Of Bluffton's five opponents this season, only Ridgeland has managed to post a second-half point against the Bobcat defense.

Bluffton's second-half team enters the second half of the season this week with the start of region play on Friday at home against Lake Marion High School.

Before looking forward, however, let's look back at the first half of a season that's witnessed a complete overhaul of the program's record books.

With their win over Wade Hampton, Bluffton (5-0) tied the program mark for wins in a season - thanks in large part to a defense that's simply smothered its opponents in the second half of their games.

Growing up it was the Dallas Cowboys. I had Tony Dorsett, Roger Staubach and Robert Newhouse. I got to take a picture, got to talk to Tony Dorsett in Florence a few years back. Very good guy; always thought he looked like Flip Wilson.

When did you start playing football?

I was 9 years old. We were called the Termites or something like that. It seems like I always played running back and linebacker. I remember getting a little trophy, me and my buddy we got the "best 9-year-old" trophy.

If you couldn't play football, what sport would you play?

I was always a baseball player.

What's the hardest you've ever been hit on the football field?

When I was coaching in Johnsonville, I would dress out on Tuesdays and pretend to be the other's team's running back. During our state championship year, 1993, our all-star linebacker Harry Stuckey, and I collided and hit helmets. We both walked away shaking our heads.

Who's the last Bobcat player you want to be hit by on the football field?

None of these kids scare me at all; I'll hit them without pads on

What's your uniform number and does it have any significance to you?

No. 20. I got it early going and kept it in all my sports.

Who has the best hair of the team?

Probably B.J. Kitty.

KYLE WADDELL, Soph., LB

When did you start playing football?

I started playing when I was in third grade. I've always been a linebacker or defensive end. I'm not that good at running the ball, I can just hit people. I started playing in Greenville, my first team we were the Trojans.

What's the hardest you've ever been hit on the football field?

I was watching the option and running and all of a sudden Jordan Rodriguez pops up out of nowhere. I caught a back flip and he just nails me. I'll remember that for the rest of my life, I was a freshman. I was hurting.

Who's the last Bobcat player you want to be hit by on the football field?

Lewis (Black). We were running some type of inside drill and he was running the ball. He's coming my way and I was about to hit him and I stepped back and was like ‘oh crap, no, no, no, no.' Coach (John) Houpt yelled at me and said "you got to step up... but I'll admit it, I backed out.

What's your uniform number and does it have any significance to you?

No. 56. I got my number taken by Lenny (Youmans), he's older than me. Then I started watching highlight videos on Youtube and I saw that Lawrence Taylor was the best linebacker ever.

Who deserves to win the Game Ball in Wednesday's Senior Bowl?

I'd say Michael Sulka. We put him up on defense for two minutes and he was going crazy. We both got a tackle for loss.

Who has the best hair of the team?

I'd have to say Andrew Caboy. He's the only white guy who can rock the Bobcat on the side of his head with his number.

LENNON YOUMANS, JR., LB

When did you start playing football?

Eighth grade, in Florida. I moved up here from Orlando, Florida last year at this time. We were Timber Creek (Wolves) High School. I played middle linebacker over there.

If you couldn't play football, what sport would you play?

I like golf to tell you the truth.

What's the hardest you've ever been hit on the football field?

Last year when we played Summerville, I got hit pretty hard that game. I don't know where it came from, I just got knocked out.

Who's the last Bobcat player you want to be hit by on the football field?

Anthony Gardner.

Who deserves to win the Game Ball in Wednesday's Senior Bowl?

I'd probably give it to Ant (Anthony Gardner) because he ran for a touchdown.

Who has the best hair of the team?

I'd have to give it to B.J. or Anthony Gardner.

ALFONZA POWELL, SR., WR

When did you start playing football?

I started playing when I was in seventh grade. I started off at lineman for the Bulldogs.

What's the hardest you've ever been hit on the football field?

I was going across the middle on a slant and (ex-Bobcat teammate) Timmy Smith lit me up... bad.

Who's the last Bobcat player you want to be hit by on the football field?

Lewis (Black). Definitely Lewis.

Who deserves to win the Game Ball in Wednesday's Senior Bowl?

I think either Mike Grant or Marquise (Webber), because they had 80 yard touchdowns.

Who has the best hair of the team?

I think Corey (Stoner) because it's different...it's red. We don't have much red hair here.

LEWIS BLACK, SR., LB

When did you start playing football?

When I was 6 for the Bulldogs. I played D-line and a little bit of linebacker.

If you couldn't play football, what sport would you play?

Anything with contact, probably lacrosse or something like that. (It should be noted that Black, many teammates' choice for hardest hitter, plays for the Bobcats' tennis team in the spring.)

Who's the last Bobcat player you want to be hit by on the football field?

Probably myself, Ant (Anthony Gardner) or Taylor (McDonnell).

What's your uniform number and does it have any significance to you?

No. 53. It's an intimidating number. Plus, Mike Grant wears No. 54. It's my last year playing with him, so we got to be close this year.

Who deserves to win the Game Ball in Wednesday's Senior Bowl?

I'd probably say Ant (Anthony Gardner). Ant got a touchdown. He pretty much threw everybody on the defense off of him.

Who has the best hair of the team?

Best Bobcat (shaved into his head) is probably B.J. (Kitty). Ant's looks good every year, too.

THE WINNERS ARE ...

The Bobcats' season-long run of success is making life difficult for the public to vote each week on the Bluffton Today Game Ball. Some much so, this week saw a race so tight that two winners were crowned with top 'Cat honors.

Despite a prolific offense, it's been the Bluffton defense that's paced the Bobcats this season. Anthony Gardner and Taylor McDonnell are the epitome of the Bobcats' selfless defense, which shone in Sept. 17's win over Wade Hampton High School.

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